[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2003019928A2 - Systeme et procede pour repondre et enregistrer automatiquement des appels video - Google Patents

Systeme et procede pour repondre et enregistrer automatiquement des appels video Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003019928A2
WO2003019928A2 PCT/US2002/021381 US0221381W WO03019928A2 WO 2003019928 A2 WO2003019928 A2 WO 2003019928A2 US 0221381 W US0221381 W US 0221381W WO 03019928 A2 WO03019928 A2 WO 03019928A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
caller
video
request
user
communication
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2002/021381
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003019928A3 (fr
Inventor
Paul Allen
Michael Sears
John Kellum
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Digeo Inc
Original Assignee
Digeo Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digeo Inc filed Critical Digeo Inc
Priority to AU2002356197A priority Critical patent/AU2002356197A1/en
Publication of WO2003019928A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003019928A2/fr
Publication of WO2003019928A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003019928A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4786—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application e-mailing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4782—Web browsing, e.g. WebTV
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4788—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/147—Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of interactive television systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for automatically answering and recording video calls.
  • a conventional video answering machine does not identify the caller when an incoming video call is detected. Moreover, a conventional video answering machine does not allow a user to watch a video message being recorded. As video "telemarketing" becomes more prevalent, users will be subjected to numerous intrusive and undesirable video calls as a result of these conventional systems. In addition, once a video answering machine has started to record a video call, a user may not conventionally interrupt the recording to speak with the caller. Consequently, the user must typically wait until after the video message is recorded before he or she may identity, and communicate with, the caller.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of an interactive television system
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of physical components of a set top box (STB);
  • FIG. 4 is a dataflow diagram according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a dataflow diagram according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a dataflow diagram according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a dataflow diagram according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a dataflow diagram according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of logical components of a system for automatically answering and recording video calls.
  • FIG. 10 is a dataflow diagram according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for automatically answering and recording video calls.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for automatically answering and recording video calls that eliminates or substantially reduces all of the above-identified problems and disadvantages.
  • an incoming request to establish video communication between a caller and a user of an interactive television (ITV) system is detected.
  • the request may be sent by another ITV system, a dedicated videophone, a personal computer, or another similar device.
  • the request may be embodied in any suitable format according to the devices and/or software being used.
  • the ITV system identifies the caller from information contained within the request.
  • the request may contain, for instance, a caller's name, a network address of the caller's ITV system, an image of the caller, a live video signal depicting the caller, or the like.
  • the ITV system then notifies the user of the request and the identity of the caller.
  • the ITV system may display a text identification of the caller, a live video signal of the caller, an image of the caller, and so forth. Based on the identity of the caller, the user may accept or reject the video communication request.
  • the ITV system automatically answers the request by sending a generic pre-recorded video greeting to the caller.
  • a caller-specific video greeting may be sent based on the caller's identity. If the caller so desires, the ITV system may then record a video message including an audio/video signal sent by the caller.
  • a video message is displayed to the user while it is being recorded.
  • the video message may be displayed on the user's television in a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) window.
  • PIP Picture-in-Picture
  • the user may interrupt the recording of the video message (or the transmission of the video greeting) to immediately communicate with the caller.
  • recording of the video message may continue while the user communicates with the caller.
  • the ITV system if the user accepts the request (or later interrupts the recording of a video message to communicate with the caller), the ITV system begins to buffer a television signal being currently displayed. When the video communication is terminated, the ITV system plays back the television program being buffered from the point in time at which the communication commenced.
  • the ITV system may also include an auto-answer list. In one embodiment, rather than interrupting the user with a notification of every incoming video call, the ITV system automatically answers and records video calls in which the caller is found within the auto-answer list.
  • an auto-answer list rather than interrupting the user with a notification of every incoming video call, the ITV system automatically answers and records video calls in which the caller is found within the auto-answer list.
  • video communication typically includes two-way audio communication.
  • audio communication and corresponding components may be implied.
  • the system 100 relies on a broadband network 101 for communication, such as a cable television network or a direct satellite broadcast (DBS) network, although other networks are possible.
  • a broadband network 101 for communication, such as a cable television network or a direct satellite broadcast (DBS) network, although other networks are possible.
  • DBS direct satellite broadcast
  • the system 100 may include a plurality of set top boxes (STBs) 102 located, for instance, at customer homes or offices.
  • STBs set top boxes
  • an STB 102 is a consumer electronics device that serves as a gateway between a customer's television 104 and the network 101.
  • an STB 102 may be embodied more generally as a personal computer (PC), an advanced television 104 with STB functionality, or another type of client terminal.
  • PC personal computer
  • advanced television 104 with STB functionality or another type of client terminal.
  • An STB 102 receives encoded television signals and other information from the network 101 and decodes the same for display on the television 104 or other display device, such as a computer monitor. As its name implies, an STB 102 is typically located on top of, or in close proximity to, the television 104.
  • Each STB 102 may be distinguished from other network components by a unique identifier, number, code, or address, examples of which include an Internet Protocol (IP) address (e.g., an IPv6 address), a Media Access Control (MAC) address, or the like.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • MAC Media Access Control
  • video signals and other information may be transmitted from the network 101 to a specific STB 102 by specifying the corresponding address, after which the network 101 routes the transmission to its destination using conventional techniques.
  • a remote control 106 is provided, in one configuration, for convenient remote operation of the STB 102 and the television 104.
  • the remote control 106 may use infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other wireless technologies to transmit control signals to the STB 102 and the television 104.
  • Other remote control devices are also contemplated, such as wired or wireless mice (not shown).
  • a keyboard 108 (either wireless or wired) is provided, in one embodiment, to allow a user to rapidly enter text information into the STB 102.
  • text information may be used for e-mail, instant messaging (e.g. text-based chat), or the like.
  • the keyboard 108 may use infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other wireless technologies to transmit keystroke data to the STB 102.
  • IR infrared
  • RF radio frequency
  • Each STB 102 may be coupled to the network 101 via a broadcast center 110.
  • a broadcast center 110 may be embodied as a "head-end", which is generally a centrally-located facility within a community where television programming is received from a local cable TV satellite downlink or other source and packaged together for transmission to customer homes.
  • a head-end also functions as a Central Office (CO) in the telecommunication industry, routing video signals and other data to and from the various STBs 102 serviced thereby.
  • CO Central Office
  • a broadcast center 110 may also be embodied as a satellite broadcast center within a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system.
  • DBS direct broadcast satellite
  • a DBS system may utilize a small 18-inch satellite dish, which is an antenna for receiving a satellite broadcast signal.
  • Each STB 102 may be integrated with a digital integrated receiver/decoder (IRD), which separates each channel, and decompresses and translates the digital signal from the satellite dish to be displayed by the television 104.
  • ITD digital integrated receiver/decoder
  • Programming for a DBS system may be distributed, for example, by multiple high-power satellites in geosynchronous orbit, each with multiple transponders. Compression (e.g., MPEG) may be used to increase the amount of programming that can be transmitted in the available bandwidth.
  • Compression e.g., MPEG
  • the broadcast centers 110 may be used to gather programming content, ensure its digital quality, and uplink the signal to the satellites. Programming may be received by the broadcast centers 110 from content providers (CNN, ESPN, HBO, TBS, etc.) via satellite, fiber optic cable and/or special digital tape. Satellite-delivered programming is typically immediately digitized, encrypted and uplinked to the orbiting satellites. The satellites retransmit the signal back down to every earth-station, e.g., every compatible DBS system receiver dish at customers' homes and businesses.
  • content providers CNN, ESPN, HBO, TBS, etc.
  • Satellite-delivered programming is typically immediately digitized, encrypted and uplinked to the orbiting satellites. The satellites retransmit the signal back down to every earth-station, e.g., every compatible DBS system receiver dish at customers' homes and businesses.
  • broadcast programs may be recorded on digital videotape in the broadcast center 110 to be broadcast later. Before any recorded programs are viewed by customers, technicians may use post-production equipment to view and analyze each tape to ensure audio and video quality. Tapes may then be loaded into a robotic tape handling systems, and playback may be triggered by a computerized signal sent from a broadcast automation system. Back-up videotape playback equipment may ensure uninterrupted transmission at all times.
  • the broadcast centers 110 may be coupled directly to one another or through the network 101.
  • broadcast centers 110 may be connected via a separate network, one particular example of which is the Internet 112.
  • the Internet 112 is a "network of networks" and is well known to those skilled in the art. Communication over the Internet 112 is accomplished using standard protocols, such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and the like.
  • a broadcast center 110 may receive television programming for distribution to the STBs 102 from one or more television programming sources 114 coupled to the network 101.
  • television programs are distributed in an encoded format, such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).
  • MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group
  • MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, and the like are known, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, and the like.
  • MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group
  • other video encoding/compression standards exist other than MPEG, such as JPEG, JPEG-LS, H.261 , and H.263. Accordingly, the invention should not be construed as being limited only to MPEG.
  • Broadcast centers 110 may be used to enable audio and video communications between STBs 102. Transmission between broadcast centers 110 may occur (i) via a direct peer-to-peer connection between broadcast centers 110, (ii) upstream from a first broadcast center 110 to the network 101 and then downstream to a second broadcast center 110, or (iii) via the Internet 112. For instance, a first STB 102 may send a video transmission upstream to a first broadcast center 110, then to a second broadcast center 110, and finally downstream to a second STB 102.
  • the communication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary, and other types of devices and networks may be used within the scope of the invention.
  • the system 200 may include an STB 102, a television 104 (or other display device), a remote control 106, and, in certain configurations, a keyboard 108.
  • ITV interactive television
  • the remote control 106 is provided for convenient remote operation of the STB 102 and the television 104.
  • the remote control 106 includes a wireless transmitter 202 for transmitting control signals (and possibly audio/video data) to a wireless receiver 203 within the STB 102 and/or the television 104.
  • the remote control 106 includes a wireless receiver 204 for receiving signals from a wireless transmitter 205 within the STB 102. Operational details regarding the wireless transmitters 202, 205 and wireless receivers 203, 204 are generally well known to those of skill in the art.
  • the remote control 106 preferably includes a number of buttons or other similar controls.
  • the remote control 106 may include a power button 206, an up arrow button 208, a down arrow button 210, a left arrow button 212, a right arrow button 214, a "Select” button 216, an "OK” button 218, channel adjustment buttons 220, volume adjustment buttons 222, alphanumeric buttons 224, a "Help” button 226, and the like.
  • the remote control 106 includes a microphone 242 for capturing audio signals.
  • the captured audio signals may be transmitted to the STB 102 via the wireless transmitter 202.
  • the remote control 106 may include a speaker 244 for generating audible output from audio signals received from the STB 102 via the wireless receiver 204.
  • the microphone 242 and/or speaker 244 may be integrated with the STB 102.
  • the remote control 106 further includes a video camera 246, such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) digital video camera, for capturing video signals.
  • the video camera 246 is in electrical communication with the wireless transmitter 202 for sending the captured video signals to the STB 102.
  • the video camera 246 may be integrated with the STB 102, or attached to the STB 102, as in the depicted embodiment.
  • the various components of the remote control 106 may be positioned in different locations for functionality and ergonomics.
  • the speaker 244 may be positioned near the "top" of the remote control 106 (when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 2) and the microphone 242 may be positioned at the "bottom" of the remote control 106.
  • a user may conveniently position the speaker 244 near the user's ear and the microphone 242 near the user's mouth in order to operate the remote control 106 in the manner of a telephone.
  • the optional keyboard 108 facilitates rapid composition of text messages.
  • the keyboard 108 includes a plurality of standard alphanumeric keys 236.
  • the keyboard 108 includes a wireless transmitter (not shown), similar or identical to the wireless transmitter 202 of the remote control 106.
  • the wireless transmitter transmits keystroke data from the keyboard 108 to the STB 102.
  • the keyboard 108 may include one or more of the buttons illustrated on the remote control 106.
  • a hands-free headset 248 may be coupled to the remote control 106 or the keyboard 108.
  • the headset 248 may be coupled using a standard headset jack 250.
  • the headset 248 may include a microphone 242 and/or speaker 244. Such a headset 248 may be used to reduce audio interference from the television 104 (improving audio quality) and to provide the convenience of hands-free operation.
  • the STB 102 includes a wireless receiver 203 for receiving control signals sent by the wireless transmitter 202 in the remote control 106 and a wireless transmitter 205 for transmitting signals (such as audio/video signals) to the wireless receiver 204 in the remote control 106.
  • signals such as audio/video signals
  • the STB 102 also includes, in one implementation, a network interface 302 for communicating with the network 101 via the broadcast center 110.
  • the interface 302 may include conventional circuitry for receiving, demodulating, and demultiplexing MPEG packets.
  • the interface 302 may also include conventional modem circuitry for sending or receiving data.
  • the interface 302 may conform to the DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) or DAVIC (Digital Audio-Visual Council) cable modem standards.
  • one or more frequency bands may be reserved for upstream transmission.
  • Digital modulation for example, quadrature amplitude modulation or vestigial sideband modulation
  • upstream transmission may be accomplished differently for different networks 101.
  • Alternative ways to accomplish upstream transmission include using a back channel transmission, which is typically sent via an analog telephone line, ISDN, DSL, or other techniques.
  • the STB 102 also preferably includes a codec (encoder/decoder) 304, which serves to encode audio/video signals into a network-compatible data stream for transmission over the network 101.
  • the codec 304 also serves to decode a network-compatible data stream received from the network 101.
  • the codec 304 may be implemented in hardware and/or software. Moreover, the codec 304 may use various algorithms, such as MPEG or Voice over IP (VoIP), for encoding and decoding.
  • the STB 102 further includes a memory device 306, such as a random access memory (RAM), for storing temporary data. Similarly, a read-only memory (ROM) may be provided for storing more permanent data, such as fixed code and configuration information.
  • a memory device 306 such as a random access memory (RAM), for storing temporary data.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • an audio/video (A/V) controller 308 is provided for converting digital audio/video signals into analog signals for playback/display on the television 104.
  • the A/V controller 308 may be implemented using one or more physical devices, such as separate graphics and sound controllers.
  • the A/V controller 308 may include graphics hardware for performing bit-block transfers (bit-blits) and other graphical operations for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the television 104.
  • bit-blits bit-block transfers
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the STB 102 may include a storage device 310, such as a hard disk drive or the like.
  • the storage device 310 may be configured to store encoded incoming and outgoing video signals as well as television broadcasts and retrieve the same at a later time for display.
  • the storage device 310 may be configured, in one embodiment, as a digital video recorder (DVR), enabling scheduled recording of television programs, pausing (buffering) live video, etc.
  • DVR digital video recorder
  • the storage device 310 may also be used in various embodiments to store viewer preferences, parental lock settings, electronic program guide (EPG) data, passwords, e-mail messages, video messages, video greetings, and the like.
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • the storage device 310 also stores an operating system (OS) for the STB 102, such as Windows CE ® or Linux ®
  • OS operating system
  • the STB 102 may include, in certain embodiments, a microphone 242 and a speaker 244 for capturing and reproducing audio signals, respectively.
  • the STB 102 may also include or be coupled to a video camera 246 for capturing video signals.
  • a CPU 312 controls the operation of the STB 102, including the other components thereof, which are coupled to the CPU 312 in one embodiment via a bus 314.
  • the CPU 312 may be embodied as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP) or other device known in the art.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • the CPU 312 may be embodied as an Intel ® x86 processor.
  • the CPU 312 may perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program code stored within the memory 306 or the storage device 310.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates only one possible configuration of an STB 102.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates only one possible configuration of an STB 102.
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other architectures and components may be provided within the scope of the invention.
  • various standard components are not illustrated in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
  • FIGS. 4-8 are high-level dataflow diagrams illustrating various operations and transactions according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the illustrated embodiment may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • a user 402 may be viewing a television broadcast on a television 104 coupled to a first STB 102a.
  • the STB 102a decodes a video signal 404 received, for example, from a television source 114.
  • a user of a second STB 102b may then attempt to establish two-way video communication with the user 402 of the first STB 102a.
  • the caller 406 may use other types of video communication devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a dedicated videophone, or the like.
  • the second STB 102b (or other remote device) sends a video communication request 408 to the first STB 102a.
  • the request 408 may be embodied in various forms, depending on the hardware and software being used.
  • the first STB 102a Upon detecting the request 408, the first STB 102a identifies the caller 406 from information contained within the request 408. In one embodiment, the first STB 102a extracts an identifier from the request 408 that uniquely identifies the caller or the caller's STB 102b. The identifier may include, for instance, the caller's name, the caller's personal network address, the network address of the caller's STB 102b, an image of the caller 406, a live video signal depicting the caller 406, or the like. The STB 102a then notifies the user 402 concerning the request 408 and identifies the caller 406. This may be accomplished, in one embodiment, by displaying a prompt 410 on the television 104.
  • the prompt 410 may include one or more of the identifiers noted above, and may also include a notice for the user 402 to accept or reject the request 408.
  • the prompt 410 is embodied as a pop-up window, including, for example, the name of the caller 406, e.g. "Joe.”
  • the prompt 410 is sized and positioned to minimize disruption of television viewing and the like.
  • the prompt 410 may be displayed near the top or bottom of the television screen.
  • the prompt 410 may be semitransparent, allowing the underlying television signal 404 being displayed to remain substantially visible.
  • Identification of the caller 406 allows the user 402 to quickly decide whether to answer the video call or to allow the call to be automatically answered and recorded by the STB 102a. For instance, if the user 402 accepts the request 408, a two-way video communication channel is established between the STB 102a and the STB 102b using standard protocols. In one embodiment, the STB 102a launches a videoconferencing client, such as Microsoft NetMeeting ® or CuSeeMe ® , to establish a communication channel and manage two-way video communication. If, however, the user 402 rejects the request 408 (or if the request 408 is not accepted within an established time interval), the prompt 410 is removed and the STB 102a automatically answers the call. In one embodiment, the STB 102a sends a pre-recorded video greeting 502 to the caller 406. The video greeting 502 may invite the caller 406 to leave a video message, which may be stored for subsequent viewing by the user 402.
  • a videoconferencing client such as Microsoft Net
  • the same video greeting 502 is sent to every caller 406.
  • one or more caller-specific video greetings 502 may be sent depending on the identity of the caller 406.
  • the request 408 includes or is accompanied by an audio/video signal 503 generated by the microphone 242 and camera 246 associated with the caller's STB 102b.
  • the STB 102a may begin to record a video message including the audio/video signal 503.
  • the audio/video signal 503 is encoded using a standard method, such as MPEG, and stored within the storage device 310. Recording may continue until the caller 406 terminates the communication.
  • the STB 102a displays the audio/video signal 503 while the video message is being recorded.
  • the video portion of the audio/video signal 503 may be displayed in a window 504, such as a Picture-in-
  • the audio portion of the audio/video signal 503 may or may not be output via the television's speakers.
  • the window 504 may fill all or a portion of the television screen.
  • the audio/video signal may be displayed before recording of the video message begins, e.g., when the request 408 is detected or during transmission of the video greeting 502.
  • the window 504 may also include other identifiers of the caller 406, such as the caller's name 506 or network address.
  • a status indicator 508 may be provided to indicate, for example, whether the audio/video signal 503 is being currently recorded, whether the greeting 504 is being sent, etc. In one embodiment, once the caller 406 finishes the video message and/or terminates the call, recording of the video message halts and the window 504 is closed.
  • the STB 102a may begin to record a video message
  • a user may "break in" to establish two-way video communication with the caller 406.
  • the caller 406 may indicate an urgent or interesting reason for his or her call, after which the user 402 may regret rejecting the request 408.
  • the user 402 may establish two-way video communication with the caller 406 at any time by activating a suitable control, such as button on the remote control 106.
  • a "soft button” displayed on the television 104 such as a "pick-up" button 510. As shown in FIG.
  • activating the pick-up button 510 may allow the user to immediately establish a two-way video communication channel 602 between the STBs 102a, 102b as though the user 402 had initially accepted the request 408.
  • a "dismiss" button 512 closes the window 504, allowing the user to resume watching the television broadcast.
  • the establishment of a two-way video communication channel 602 interrupts the recording of the video message. The recorded video message may be discarded or kept for subsequent review. Alternatively, recording may continue until the channel 602 is terminated by either party. In other embodiments, recording may be resumed during two-way video communication in response to the user 402 activating a suitable control.
  • the recording may only include audio/video signals received from the caller 406 or may also include audio/video signals sent by the user 402.
  • the STB 102a when the communication channel 602 is established, the STB 102a automatically begins to buffer the television signal 404 being displayed.
  • the television signal 404 may be encoded using conventional methods, such as MPEG, after which the encoded television signal 404 is stored within a storage device 310.
  • the television signal 404 being buffered may be played back from the point in time at which the communication commenced. Buffering may continue during playback, effectively time-shifting the television signal 404 for the period of the communication.
  • the user 402 may provide complete attention to the caller 406 without missing significant portions of a television broadcast.
  • a user 402 may "fast forward" the playback of the buffered television signal 404 to catch up to the live broadcast.
  • the user 402 may press a "fast forward" button on the remote control 106 to move quickly through commercial advertisements.
  • a button may be provided to immediately display the live television signal 404 on the television 104 and terminate the buffering process.
  • an auto-answer list 702. As before, when an incoming request 408 is detected, the caller 406 is identified. If, however, the caller 406 (e.g., the caller's name or network address) is found within the auto-answer list 702, the STB 102a will not notify the user 402 of the request 408. Rather, the STB 102a will automatically answer the request 408 by sending the video greeting 502.
  • the auto-answer list 702 list may be created using various standard data structures, such as arrays, linked lists, database tables, and the like.
  • the prompt 410 may be displayed, allowing the user 402 to reject or accept the request 408, as shown in FIG. 8.
  • various other types of lists may be provided, such as a list of callers 406 for which the user 402 will be notified (as opposed to the autoanswer list 702 which lists callers 406 for which the user 402 will ' not be identified).
  • FIG. 9 a system 900 for automatically answering and recording video calls is illustrated.
  • the depicted logical components may be implemented using one or more of the physical components shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, or in the alternative, various logical components may be implemented as software modules stored in the memory 306 and/or storage device 310 and executed by the CPU 312 .
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize that various illustrated components may be combined together or integrated with standard components in various configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
  • a caller's STB 102b may send a video communication request 408 to the user's STB 102a.
  • the system 900 includes an detection component 902, which detects the request 408, as described above in connection with FIG. 4.
  • the detection component 902 may be implemented as a software module in communication with the network interface 302 of FIG. 3, which monitors incoming packets received from the network 101.
  • the system 900 may also include an identification component 904 in communication with the detection component 902.
  • the identification component 904 extracts an identifier from the request 408 to uniquely identify the caller 406 (or the caller's system), as described in connection with FIGS. 4, and 5.
  • the identifier may include, for instance, the caller's name, the caller's personal network address, and/or the network address of the caller's STB 102b.
  • the identification component 904 interacts with a notification component 906.
  • the notification component 906 prompts the user 402 to accept or reject the request 408.
  • the notification component 906 may display a prompt 410, such as a pop-up window, that notifies the user 402 of the incoming request 408, the identity of the caller 406, and the like.
  • an answering component 908 in communication with the notification component 906 automatically begins answering the request 408.
  • the answering component 908 sends a pre-recorded video greeting 502 to the caller 406.
  • the video greeting 502 may be generic or caller-specific.
  • the answering component 908 records a video message including an audio/video signal 503 generated by the caller's microphone 242 and camera 246 and transmitted to the user's STB 102b via the network 101.
  • the answering component 908 may display the video message while it is being recorded.
  • the user 402 may be able to establish communication with the caller 406 even after the answering component 908 has begun to record the video message.
  • a communication component 910 in communication with the answering component 908 establishes a two-way video communication channel 602 between the user 402 and the caller 406, as described in connection with FIG. 6.
  • a buffering component 912 in communication with the communication component 910 may begin to buffer the television signal 404 being currently displayed within a storage device 310, as described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • a playback component 914 may begin to play back the buffered television signal 404 from the point in time at which communication commenced.
  • the playback component 914 retrieves the buffered television signal 404 from the storage device 310 and displays the signal 404 on the television 104.
  • a request 408 may be detected, and the caller 406 identified, by the broadcast center 110. Thereafter, the broadcast center 110 may send a prompt 410 to the STB 102a for acceptance or rejection of the request 408. Accept or reject messages 1004 may be sent from the STB 102a to the broadcast center 110. If the user 402 rejects the request 408 (or if the request 408 is not timely accepted), the broadcast center 110 may answer the call by sending a video greeting 502 to the caller's STB 102b.
  • video greetings 502, recorded video messages, auto answer lists 702, and the like may be stored within a storage device 1006 within or accessible to the broadcast center 110.
  • the broadcast center 110 may transmit stored video messages to the user 402.
  • a video message may be sent, for example, as an e-mail attachment or Internet link.
  • the user may need to access the broadcast center 110 using a client module (not shown), such as RealPlayer ® , available from RealNetworks, Inc., in order to retrieve and view stored video messages.
  • the method 1100 begins by detecting 1102 a request 408 from a remote device to establish communication with an interactive television system 200 of a user 402.
  • the caller 406 is identified 1104 using information contained within the request 408.
  • the user 402 is notified 1106 of the identity of the caller 406 and prompted to accept or reject the request 408.
  • a determination 1108 is then made whether the user accepts or rejects the request 408. If the user accepts, in certain embodiments, a television signal 404 currently being viewed is buffered 1110 to a storage device 310.
  • two-way video communication is established 1112 between the user 402 and the caller 406.
  • a determination 1114 is made whether the communication has been terminated. If so, the television signal 404 being buffered is played back 1116 from a point in time at which the request 408 was accepted 1108. If not, the method returns to step 1114 to await the termination of the communication.
  • the STB 102a sends 1118 a prerecorded video greeting 502 to the caller 406. Thereafter, the STB 102 records 1120 a video message comprising an audio/video signal 503 received from the caller 406. During recording 1120, in certain configurations, a determination 1122 is made whether the user 402 has subsequently decided to establish communication with the caller 406. If not, the method 1100 continues with recording 1120 until the call is terminated. If, however, the user 402 indicates a desire to establish communication with the caller 406, a television signal 404 being displayed is buffered 1110, as described above.
  • a caller is identified when an incoming call is detected, allowing a user to selectively answer or automatically record calls based on the caller's identity.
  • a user may interrupt the recording of a video message to answer a call.
  • a television program or other broadcast entertainment program is automatically buffered to allow to a user to subsequently view the program in its entirety.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

On détecte une requête pour établir une communication vidéo entre un appelant et un utilisateur d'un système de télévision interactive. L'appelant est identifié au moyen des informations contenues dans la requête. L'utilisateur est invité à accepter ou à rejeter cette requête. En réponse au rejet ou à la non-acceptation de la requête par l'utilisateur dans un intervalle temporel prédéterminé, des salutations vidéo préenregistrées sont envoyées à l'appelant, après quoi un message vidéo est enregistré, qui comprend un signal vidéo reçu de l'appelant. Un message vidéo est ensuite enregistré; ce message comprend un signal vidéo reçu de l'appelant. Lors de l'enregistrement du message vidéo, l'utilisateur peut interrompre l'enregistrement pour établir une communication vidéo duplex avec l'appelant.
PCT/US2002/021381 2001-08-27 2002-07-08 Systeme et procede pour repondre et enregistrer automatiquement des appels video Ceased WO2003019928A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002356197A AU2002356197A1 (en) 2001-08-27 2002-07-08 System and method for automatically answering and recording video calls

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/940,181 2001-08-27
US09/940,181 US20030041333A1 (en) 2001-08-27 2001-08-27 System and method for automatically answering and recording video calls

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003019928A2 true WO2003019928A2 (fr) 2003-03-06
WO2003019928A3 WO2003019928A3 (fr) 2003-12-04

Family

ID=25474382

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/021381 Ceased WO2003019928A2 (fr) 2001-08-27 2002-07-08 Systeme et procede pour repondre et enregistrer automatiquement des appels video

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20030041333A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2002356197A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003019928A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7623635B2 (en) * 2001-10-24 2009-11-24 Cool Kenneth J Integrated telephony and video system
JP2003152888A (ja) * 2001-11-08 2003-05-23 Nec Corp ビデオ付き留守応答メッセージ機能付き携帯電話機
US10009577B2 (en) * 2002-08-29 2018-06-26 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Communication systems
JP2004120708A (ja) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-15 Brother Ind Ltd 通信装置
JP4265204B2 (ja) * 2002-11-18 2009-05-20 日本電気株式会社 テレビ電話機能付き情報通信端末とテレビ電話表示切替方法
US20040128700A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2004-07-01 Ming-Da Pan Viewing selection management system
JP4292891B2 (ja) * 2003-06-26 2009-07-08 ソニー株式会社 撮像装置、画像記録装置および画像記録方法
US7447740B2 (en) * 2003-12-19 2008-11-04 Microsoft Corporation Internet video conferencing on a home television
US7843485B1 (en) 2003-12-23 2010-11-30 At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. Integration of home entertainment devices with a software client for telephony
US8576270B1 (en) 2004-10-08 2013-11-05 Glowpoint, Inc. Intelligent call management and redirection
WO2006105095A2 (fr) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-05 Glowpoint, Inc. Autorisation d'appels en communication video
US20070002777A1 (en) * 2005-05-31 2007-01-04 Glowpoint, Inc. Video-communication interface
US20070039036A1 (en) * 2005-08-12 2007-02-15 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. System, method and user interface to deliver message content
WO2007038587A2 (fr) * 2005-09-27 2007-04-05 Morgan Stanley Systeme et procede d'information d'entreprise et de contact
US8867524B1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2014-10-21 At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. Method and apparatus for activating an incoming call voice session on a video display device
US20070189469A1 (en) * 2006-01-31 2007-08-16 Marian Croak Method and apparatus for providing location information for an emergency service
US20070200920A1 (en) * 2006-02-14 2007-08-30 Walker Mark R Digital communications adaptor
KR100810269B1 (ko) * 2006-04-18 2008-03-06 삼성전자주식회사 휴대 단말기 및 그 단말기의 화상 통화 서비스 수행 방법
US8607281B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2013-12-10 Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company Control of data presentation in multiple zones using a wireless home entertainment hub
US8966545B2 (en) * 2006-09-07 2015-02-24 Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company Connecting a legacy device into a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub
US9319741B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2016-04-19 Rateze Remote Mgmt Llc Finding devices in an entertainment system
US9386269B2 (en) * 2006-09-07 2016-07-05 Rateze Remote Mgmt Llc Presentation of data on multiple display devices using a wireless hub
US8935733B2 (en) * 2006-09-07 2015-01-13 Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company Data presentation using a wireless home entertainment hub
US9233301B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2016-01-12 Rateze Remote Mgmt Llc Control of data presentation from multiple sources using a wireless home entertainment hub
US8719892B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2014-05-06 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp System for exchanging media content between a media content processor and a communication device
US20090092234A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Apple Inc. Answering video chat requests
KR20090046159A (ko) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-11 삼성전자주식회사 Ｅｐｇ를 이용한 커뮤니케이션 제공 방법 및 이를 적용한영상기기
US8453188B2 (en) 2008-01-22 2013-05-28 Avaya Inc. Open cable application platform set-top box (STB) personal profiles and communications applications
US20090241159A1 (en) * 2008-03-18 2009-09-24 Avaya Technology Llc Open cable application platform set-top box (stb) personal profiles and communications applications
CN101547297A (zh) * 2008-01-22 2009-09-30 阿瓦亚公司 开放有线应用平台机顶盒个人简档及通信应用
US20090241153A1 (en) * 2008-03-18 2009-09-24 Avaya Technology Llc Open cable application platform set-top box (stb) personal profiles and communications applications
US20090241158A1 (en) * 2008-03-18 2009-09-24 Avaya Technology Llc Open cable application platform set-top box (stb) personal profiles and communications applications
US8253772B2 (en) * 2008-04-04 2012-08-28 Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc Method, apparatus and system for incorporating voice or video communication into a television or compatible audio capable visual display
CN101282579B (zh) * 2008-05-08 2011-06-08 华为技术有限公司 记录通话的方法、系统、通话记录平台及彩铃平台
JP5410720B2 (ja) * 2008-09-25 2014-02-05 日立コンシューマエレクトロニクス株式会社 ディジタル情報信号送受信装置、およびディジタル情報信号送受信方法
CN101552826B (zh) * 2009-05-04 2012-01-11 中兴通讯股份有限公司 可视电话业务自动答录的方法和装置
CN102422637A (zh) * 2009-06-19 2012-04-18 深圳Tcl新技术有限公司 电视机及其实现视频留言的方法
KR101613931B1 (ko) * 2009-09-10 2016-04-20 엘지전자 주식회사 이동 단말기 및 그 제어 방법
GB2479117B (en) * 2010-01-21 2016-06-01 Snb Tech Ltd Video conversation using sequences of queued user videos
US8643692B2 (en) * 2010-02-23 2014-02-04 Cox Communications, Inc. Video conferencing utilizing a cable set-top box
US20110242268A1 (en) * 2010-03-31 2011-10-06 Jin Kim Television Appliance
US20120096497A1 (en) * 2010-10-14 2012-04-19 Sony Corporation Recording television content
JP2012138772A (ja) * 2010-12-27 2012-07-19 Toshiba Corp 機器情報通信方法、映像表示装置および映像表示システム
US20120174156A1 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 General Instrument Corporation System and method for presenting information associated with a contact for video calling
JP4960512B1 (ja) * 2011-01-31 2012-06-27 株式会社東芝 デジタル放送受信機
US9154322B2 (en) * 2011-08-01 2015-10-06 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Method and apparatus using an integrated femtocell and residential gateway device
US20160124698A1 (en) * 2011-08-24 2016-05-05 Z124 Unified desktop triad control user interface for an application launcher
US20130067331A1 (en) * 2011-09-09 2013-03-14 Screenovate Technologies Ltd. Method and System of Simultaneous Display of Multiple Screens on a Target Display
EP2611176A3 (fr) 2011-12-29 2015-11-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Appareil d'affichage et son procédé de commande
CN104427287B (zh) * 2013-08-20 2018-01-02 联想(北京)有限公司 数据处理方法及设备
US20170078737A1 (en) * 2014-02-27 2017-03-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Digital device and control method therefor
US9350943B2 (en) 2014-09-15 2016-05-24 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Video picker
US10469427B2 (en) * 2016-11-08 2019-11-05 Facebook, Inc. Methods and systems for transmitting a video as an asynchronous artifact
CN108377410A (zh) * 2018-03-19 2018-08-07 聚好看科技股份有限公司 电视分屏中实现视频通话的方法、装置及电视
US10630937B1 (en) 2018-12-19 2020-04-21 Motorola Solutions, Inc. Device, system and method for transmitting one or more of annotations and video prior to a video call
US10798338B1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2020-10-06 American Well Corporation Single point devices that connect to a display device

Family Cites Families (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5189691A (en) * 1991-08-30 1993-02-23 Go-Video, Inc. VCR with video phone answering capability
JPH05327914A (ja) * 1992-02-18 1993-12-10 Fujitsu Ltd 割り込み機能を有するテレビ電話端末，通信切断通知機能を有するテレビ電話端末および３以上のテレビ電話端末間通信を制御するための交換機
US6215515B1 (en) * 1992-02-19 2001-04-10 Netergy Networks, Inc. Videocommunicating device with an on-screen telephone keypad user-interface method and arrangement
US20020032907A1 (en) * 1993-03-29 2002-03-14 Daniels John J. Initiating record from an electronic programming schedule
JPH07130150A (ja) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-19 Ricoh Co Ltd 情報機器
US5467388A (en) * 1994-01-31 1995-11-14 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for selectively blocking incoming telephone calls
US5550754A (en) * 1994-05-13 1996-08-27 Videoptic Research Teleconferencing camcorder
US5710591A (en) * 1995-06-27 1998-01-20 At&T Method and apparatus for recording and indexing an audio and multimedia conference
US6766527B2 (en) * 1995-06-30 2004-07-20 Fujitsu Limited CATV system, CATV distributor, processing terminal, and receiver
JPH0965224A (ja) * 1995-08-24 1997-03-07 Hitachi Ltd テレビ受像機
JP3271493B2 (ja) * 1995-09-26 2002-04-02 ヤマハ株式会社 ネットワークおよびデータ伝送方法
US5778053A (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-07-07 Intel Corporation Answering machine services for data conferences
US5774186A (en) * 1995-12-29 1998-06-30 International Business Machines Corporation Interruption tolerant video program viewing
US6061434A (en) * 1996-08-14 2000-05-09 Joseph C. Corbett Video caller identification systems and methods
US6141058A (en) * 1996-12-16 2000-10-31 Thomson Licensing S.A. Television receiver having a user-editable telephone system caller-ID feature
US5896165A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-04-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method and system for a video answering machine
US5818440A (en) * 1997-04-15 1998-10-06 Time Warner Entertainment Co. L.P. Automatic execution of application on interactive television
US5999207A (en) * 1997-05-16 1999-12-07 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Method and apparatus for implementing a user interface for a videophone in a cable television network
US6061435A (en) * 1997-10-03 2000-05-09 Lucent Technologies Inc. Cordless telephone system having a handset with non-telephone functionality
US6646673B2 (en) * 1997-12-05 2003-11-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Communication method and terminal
US5949474A (en) * 1997-12-31 1999-09-07 At&T Corp Videophone blocker
US6385305B1 (en) * 1997-12-31 2002-05-07 At& T Corp. Video phone multimedia announcement message toolkit
US6233389B1 (en) * 1998-07-30 2001-05-15 Tivo, Inc. Multimedia time warping system
US6418211B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2002-07-09 Ericsson Inc. Adaptive call screening method
JP3376314B2 (ja) * 1999-05-12 2003-02-10 株式会社東芝 デジタル映像情報媒体、デジタル映像情報記録再生装置およびデジタル映像情報処理方法
IL153104A0 (en) * 2000-06-26 2003-06-24 Nds Ltd Time shifted interactive television
US7184522B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2007-02-27 Comverse, Inc. Method and apparatus for managing calls through an entertainment center
US6859526B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2005-02-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and program product for managing call information

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002356197A1 (en) 2003-03-10
WO2003019928A3 (fr) 2003-12-04
US20030041333A1 (en) 2003-02-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20030041333A1 (en) System and method for automatically answering and recording video calls
US20030041332A1 (en) System and method for mitigating interruptions during television viewing
US7006613B2 (en) System and method for screening incoming video communications within an interactive television system
US7142230B2 (en) System and method for screening incoming and outgoing video communications within an interactive television system
US7036091B1 (en) Concentric curvilinear menus for a graphical user interface
US20020054206A1 (en) Systems and devices for audio and video capture and communication during television broadcasts
US7003795B2 (en) Webcam-based interface for initiating two-way video communication
US7243123B1 (en) Video call routing with presence determination
US6941575B2 (en) Webcam-based interface for initiating two-way video communication and providing access to cached video
US9819989B2 (en) Remote control device signal distribution
US20030005462A1 (en) Noise reduction for teleconferencing within an interactive television system
US9215509B2 (en) Multimedia processing resource with interactive voice response
US20020095689A1 (en) Hardware decoding of media streams from multiple sources
US20090299752A1 (en) Recognition of Voice-Activated Commands
US20050039214A1 (en) System and method for providing direct, context-sensitive customer support in an interactive television system
US20040244056A1 (en) System and method for providing direct, context-sensitive customer support in an interactive television system
US20030041331A1 (en) System and method for mitigating interruptions during television viewing
WO2003019945A1 (fr) Systeme et procede limitant les interruptions d'un programme de television
US20030046705A1 (en) System and method for enabling communication between video-enabled and non-video-enabled communication devices
US20100161801A1 (en) Multimedia processing resource with distributed settings
WO2003058965A1 (fr) Service de conference avec presentation synchrone de programmes media
US20080082997A1 (en) Method and system for displaying digital broadcast data
US9043852B2 (en) Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing instant messaging in conjunction with an audiovisual, video, or audio program
WO2003021960A1 (fr) Systeme televise avec communication de groupe
WO2002069640A1 (fr) Systeme et procede pour fournir une assistance contextuelle directe aux utilisateurs dans un systeme de television interactive

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZM ZW

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZM

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC PT SE SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP